Sharing Google live location is a phenomenal feature of Google Maps. Gone are the times when people used to explain routes like from which street to enter and where to turn over the call. Now you can share your whereabouts with your family and friends by sending live location on Google Maps. Do you know that learning how to share location on Google Maps is super simple?
This article will familiarize you with the entire process of Google Maps location sharing.
How To Share Live Location On Google Maps 2024?
Sharing live location on Google Maps allows you to send your real-time location to individuals or in groups. You get to enjoy full control over how long you want to share the location and when you wish to stop sharing it.
Sharing Google live location Android/iOS
- Launch the Google Maps app on your smartphone or tab and make sure you’re logged into your Google Account.
- Then tap on your profile icon (appearing in the top-right corner).
- Next, tap on Location Sharing. On the next screen, you’ll see an option of Share Location, but before that learn what information will be shared and be mindful of certain things that’ll be shared with the person or group. It includes:
- your name and photo
- device‘s recent location, even if you’re not using a Google service.
- battery power of your device
- arrival and departure time
NOTE: This information will be shared until/unless you will stop sharing your Google location and disable Location permissions. So be considerate about what you share and with whom.
- Once you hit the Share Location option, you’ll be headed to select from the contacts with whom you want to share the live location. If the name of the person with whom you want to share a live location doesn’t appear, tap on More and search for it. Ensure that your Location access and other necessary access are granted to the app.
- Furthermore, you can select for how long you want to share the location. You have the option to share indefinitely by selecting “Until you turn this off” or increase/decrease the timeframe by tapping on the +/- icon next to the “For 1 hour” option.
- Then tap on Share.
Google Maps will send a link to the receiver giving them access to track your real-time location, battery of your device, and other things mentioned in Step 3.
The process is the same on the iPhone.
In case you want to share your live location via Gmail or any other app, you can do that by scrolling through the app icons in the bar just below the contacts.
How To Share Location On Google Maps If The Other Person Doesn’t Have Google Maps App?
Google Maps is nowadays an in-built functionality that comes pre-installed and is operational on most Android and iOS devices as well. However, there might be certain nuisance situations where you can’t use the app as desired. In such a case, go to your Google Maps app, head straight to your profile icon, and then select the Location Sharing option. Then Share location > Gmail > Share. Google Maps will generate a link for sharing your real-time location. This link will allow anyone to see your real-time location details until you Stop Sharing.
How To Share Live Location On WhatsApp?
Sharing Google location on WhatsApp is quite a common practice, and is easier than you can think:
- Launch the WhatsApp app on your phone.
- Open the chat with the person or group with whom you would like to share the location.
- On the right side of the message box, you’ll see an attachment icon (for Android)/ (for iOS), tap on it.
- Then select Location.
- Once you hit that option, you’ll be required to allow the necessary permissions like GPS and location access.
- The next step is to select the Share Live Location option and choose the duration for which you wish to share your real-time location details.
- Add any comment or emoji if you want to.
- Finally, tap on the Send icon .
How To Share Current Location On Whatsapp?
Unlike live location sharing wherein the other party will be able to keep a tab on your real-time whereabouts, Current Location sharing or share my location feature allows you to send the exact location of yours in the present moment. You guessed it right– you won’t be able to share your location straight for like 15 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, and so on.
So when you want your friend to pick you up from a spot, sharing your current location is the best idea.
- Open chat with your contact (to whom you want to send your location).
- Then tap on the attachment icon (for Android)/ (for iOS).
- Select Location > Share Current Location.
That’s all, your current location will be shared the very moment with the person on the other end.
Google Maps ETA (Estimated Arrival Time)
Have you ever planned a trip with friends meeting them on a spot on a decided date? Well, ETA can be very helpful in such scenarios as it allows you to share your estimated time of arrival with your contacts. This feature of Google Maps is enormously used by logistics companies and delivery partners who have to plan out everything in advance and share details about their expected arrival time.
ETA is determined using real-time and historical traffic data, plus speed limits as well as distance, however, it is influenced by several uncontrollable factors, for instance– the breakdown of the e-car. After all, there is a reason it is called “estimated” arrival time.
- In the Google Maps app, enter the destination and your start/current location.
- When you leave for the trip, click on the arrow (^) and choose Share trip progress.
- Now select the contact person with whom you wish to share your ETA.
This will share your real-time progress on your route until you reach the destination or stop navigation.
The process of sharing ETA on iPhone is also the same.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How To Share Location On WhatsApp From Google Maps?
This is pretty much easy. Just open the Google Maps app on your mobile phone and tap on Location Sharing. Hit the Share Location option and then scroll through the app options appearing below the names in your contact list. Choose WhatsApp and allow the necessary permissions. Google Maps will generate a link that you can share with people.
Remember that anyone can track your real-time location and device battery percentage as well using the link.
How To Track Someone’s Location On Google Maps?
This can only happen when a person has shared the link of their live location with you.
You can simply visit the Google Maps app and tap on your Profile Picture > Settings > Location Sharing. Now choose a profile for which you want to track the location and again tap on Location Sharing. You’ll be able to see who is sharing the location with you. Just tap on the profile picture of the person whose location you wish to track.
You can also request someone to share their location with you.
Why I’m Not Able To Share Location On Google Maps?
Being in this situation means: (a) you either have a Google Workspace domain account because the location sharing feature isn’t available with it or (b) you’re using Google Maps Go or (c) you don’t fulfill the minimum age requirement criteria for this.
How To Manage Location Sharing Preferences on PC?
Go to System Preferences on your PC. Open Security & Privacy Preferences > Privacy > Location Services. You can also share your location from Google Maps– click on the dot in the bottom-right corner of your Google Maps dashboard. Now click Allow on the pop-up notification, it should turn blue. Click on three horizontal lines on the left side panel > Location Sharing.
Now you can manage your location sharing, and hide/block location sharing of any of your contacts appearing in the list. But remember that real-time location can only be shared on mobile devices like smartphones.
Conclusion
Google Maps offers splendid features to share and track locations of people. Whether you are an HR willing to share your exact business location with a candidate or want to assist your friend in tracking your location or ETA, this app offers great functionalities. From how to share location on Google Maps to how to share location on WhatsApp from Google Maps, the above article has aimed to guide you through every smart location sharing feature of this app.
Also Read:
- Pin A Location On Google Maps
- Google Maps Marketing
- Google Maps Advertising
